Four-Storey Building Proposed For Downtown Water Street

There is a proposal for a fou -storey building on the site of the old HMS building in St. Andrews, New Brunswick in the downtown historic district of the town. John Rocket, president of the development film Bridle Path, is proposing the project and recently presented his plans to the public at a town council meeting. 

Rocket says will have between 30 and 60 units ranging in price from approximately $1,500 per month for one-bedroom units to $3,000 per month for penthouse suites. While he is proposing a four-storey building downtown, which is out of character for the historic district, he says the fourth floor is designed in such a way that it appears to only be a three-storey building from front view of the street. He says he needs the fourth floor, however, to make the building financial feasible for him to undertake as a developer. The fourth floor will contain the penthouse suites, which will have upscale living features and will be set back from the first three floors. 

He says he believes the fourth floor is barely visible and that the building visually appears to be in keeping with the historical character of the downtown. Rocket believes this building will allow St. Andrews to move forward and grow as a community that addresses the housing needs to be addressed while maintaining the integrity of the town's aesthetic and charm. He is also planning to make part of the first-floor facing Water Street available for rent for new businesses to expand the business district. 

Alexander Gopen, a senior planner from the Southwest New Brunswick Service Commission, was also at the meeting. He said not having enough housing is having an impact on the local economy since there aren't enough vacant units to house the number of people who work in the community.

"St. Andrews has a 2.5% vacancy rate right now. A healthy vacancy rate, however, is 3% to 5%"

Gopen said that there would need to be an amendment to the municipal plan in order for this building to be realized since its four-storey height is not in keeping with the current by-laws. 

Mayor Henderson says he appreciates the attempt to address the housing crisis. He says he has fielded concerns that the building is proposed to be made out of brick when clapboard would be in more keeping with the downtown. He also says he has heard complaints about the four-storey design from residents who believe a new project should be no more than three-storeys. 

A public hearing of objections will follow in the weeks ahead.